Ford Division Awards Scholarships to Future Farmers of America
1 November 1999
Ford Division Awards Scholarships to Future Farmers of America
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 29 -- Ford Division, Ford dealers and
the Ford Motor Company Fund will award $405,000 to the National FFA (Future
Farmers of America) Ford Truck Scholarship fund. 405 FFA members will be
awarded individual scholarships of $1,000 during the 1999-2000 school year.
Ford has been a partner of FFA for the past 51 years contributing more than
$2.6 million. In addition to scholarships Ford supports the Agriscience Fair,
the National FFA Band, the National FFA Chorus and Talent program, and the
Career Show.
"Education is such an important element in our youth becoming successful
leaders in life and in business. Ford and its dealers are proud to be leaders
in educating our youth through the Ford Truck/FFA Scholarship Program," Al
Giombetti, Ford Division truck brand manager said. "The agricultural industry
is booming from biotechnology to running the family farm and we are glad Ford
is there -- involved in people's lives," further states Giombetti.
Ford is the largest sponsor in the FFA's $1.5 million scholarship fund,
and Ford has participated in the fund for the past three years. The Ford
Truck/FFA Scholarship Program connects local dealers and FFA chapters across
the country with their communities. Over 270 Ford dealers are participating
in the scholarship program committing $500 per scholarship award. Ford
Division and the Ford Motor Company Fund match the Ford dealer investment
dollar-for-dollar. Each scholarship recipient receives $1,000 toward
continuing their agricultural education at any accredited two-year or four-
year college, university or vocational school next fall.
"I come from a loving family of six, but my parents are financially unable
to pay for more than one college education. I have hung my dreams on becoming
a Texas 'Aggie' and veterinarian. Your scholarship program will take me
closer to fulfilling my dreams," said Shaleah Hester of Nacogdoches, Texas, a
1998 recipient.
Students can apply for the scholarship program through their local
participating dealer or through any one of the 7,268 FFA chapters. All
applications require an endorsement by a local participating dealership.
FFA is a national organization of 451,997 members preparing for leadership
and careers in science, business and technology of agriculture. Local, state
and national programs provide opportunities for students to apply knowledge
and skills learned in the classroom. The organization has 7,268 local
chapters located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the
Virgin Islands. FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives
of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal
growth and career success through agricultural education.
"FFA programs provide life skills to our youth. Students develop public
speaking skills, conduct and participate in meetings, manage financial
matters, strengthen problem-solving abilities and get involved in the
community," states Jerry Reynolds, Ford National Dealer Council chairman, and
owner of Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas. "Next they will be running Ford
dealerships -- wouldn't that be great!"